5 moments that mattered from the MLS Opening weekend

For the first time in 2020, we had MLS regular-season action this past weekend! There were some great moments and, well, some not so great ones. Let’s take a look at what we thought were the top 5 moments from the first weekend of MLS footy.

1. Josef Martinez tears his ACL

This biggest story of the opening weekend is that Atlanta United will be without their star striker Josef Martinez, as he has torn his ACL.

This is a massive blow to Atlanta United as he has scored 77 times in 84 games for the club. Next man up is always the motto for clubs when players go down with injuries, but there is no way to replace a star, like Martinez.

2. Carlos Vela is still the best player in the MLS

Carlos Vela continues to amaze. The goal he scored against Inter Miami was absolute class. Not only was it the game-winning goal, but it was also a masterclass effort from the best player in the league.

The run, the movement, the chip, it was just a gorgeous play that leads to the only goal of the game.

3. Newcomers Inter Miami and Nashville SC open with a loss

Two new teams entered the MLS this season and they both lost their first game in club history. Inter Miami lost 1-0 to LAFC and Nashville SC lost 2-1 to Atlanta United. Both teams showed promise but also a lot of flaws. The good news is they both faced 2 of the best teams in the MLS. Only losing by one goal to these teams is impressive for a new club.

Nashville hosted their first game and it was very impressive. They had 60,000 fans in attendance and the stadium was loud. Even in the loss, the fans were loud all game and cheered until the final whistle. If this is maintained Nashville will be an attractive landing spot for players.

4.Debut’s, Debut’s, and more Debut’s!

Almost every team had a new star player to debut this week and a lot of them looked very impressive. Alan Pulido debuted for Sporting KC and scored a gorgeous header.

There are many other goals scored by debuting players this week but those two stuck out to me. Pulido and Locadia both have what it takes to be game-changing talent in the MLS and look for them at the end of the year to be finalists for the newcomer of the year award.

5. Waterboy Canadian moment of the week

Of course, this is a Canadian website so we want to give you the Waterboy Canadian moment of the week. This could come from a Canadian player or team. The opening weekend had Canadian teams finish 1-1-1 but there were still some positives! Canadian Richie Laryea scored the 2nd goal for Toronto FC after coming on as a sub at the half and Lucas Cavallini played his first game for the Whitecaps.

The most important Canadian moment, and our winner for the Waterboy Canadian moment of the week, was Joel Waterman getting an assist in his debut for the Montreal Impact.

This moment is special because Joel Waterman is the first person to move from a CPL club to an MLS club. To not only start the home opener, but to assist on a goal is very special and is our Waterboy Canadian moment of the week.

That’s it for our round-up of the first weekend of MLS action. Keep it locked to www.thewaterboyreport.com for more on the MLS.